Hook Leg and Take Back Attacker

The Hook Leg and Take Back represents one of the most reliable transitions from buggy choke control when opponents attempt to escape by sitting to guard. This technique exploits the fundamental defensive error of creating hip exposure during the sit-up motion, transforming the opponent’s escape attempt into a high-percentage back take opportunity. The transition embodies the principle that sophisticated attack systems create branching decision trees where every defensive response opens different offensive pathways.

The technical foundation relies on timing the leg hook insertion precisely as the opponent’s hip rises during the sitting motion. Unlike static back takes that require setting up multiple control points sequentially, this transition capitalizes on the dynamic moment when the opponent voluntarily compromises their hip defense. The harness grip maintained from buggy choke position provides the upper body anchor that makes the hook insertion possible without sacrificing control.

Strategically, this technique represents the positional advancement pathway within the buggy choke attack system. When opponents recognize the immediate choking threat and prioritize escaping to guard over remaining static, the Hook Leg and Take Back punishes this defensive choice with an even more dominant position. Understanding this transition elevates the buggy choke from a single-path attack to a branching system where the opponent’s defensive selection determines which dominant outcome you achieve.

From Position: Buggy Choke (Top)

Key Attacking Principles

What are the key principles for executing Hook Leg and Take Back?

• Maintain harness grip throughout the transition to anchor upper body control while legs adjust for hook insertion
• Time the hook insertion precisely as opponent’s near hip rises during the sit-up motion to catch the optimal entry window
• Drive chest forward following opponent’s sitting movement to prevent space creation and maintain pressure during transition
• Insert near-side hook first while keeping far-side leg ready to follow once initial hook secures hip control
• Use opponent’s momentum against them by flowing with their sitting direction rather than resisting or stalling
• Keep head tight to opponent’s far shoulder throughout transition to prevent rotational escapes during position change

Prerequisites

What do you need before attempting Hook Leg and Take Back?

• Buggy choke control established with threading arm deep under opponent’s armpit and second grip secured
• Opponent initiating sit-up motion or showing intention to turn toward guard recovery
• Harness grip must be secure enough to follow opponent’s movement without losing upper body connection
• Your hips positioned close to opponent’s hips to minimize distance needed for hook insertion
• Chest-to-back connection maintained preventing opponent from creating separation during sitting attempt

Execution Steps

How do you execute Hook Leg and Take Back step by step?

1. Recognize trigger: Identify the moment opponent begins sitting to guard by feeling hip elevation, weight shift toward their base, or intentional movement away from turtle position toward sitting posture
2. Maintain harness connection: Tighten harness grip (seatbelt) by pulling elbows toward your centerline, ensuring upper body control remains intact as you transition from turtle top to following the sitting movement
3. Follow with chest: Drive your chest forward staying glued to opponent’s back as they sit, preventing any gap from forming between your chest and their spine while your weight flows in their movement direction
4. Insert near-side hook: As opponent’s near hip elevates during sitting, immediately insert your near-side leg with foot hooked inside their thigh, securing the primary hip control point that prevents rotation
5. Complete with second hook: Once first hook is secure and controlling hip, bring your far-side leg around to insert second hook inside opponent’s opposite thigh, completing the hooks-in back control configuration
6. Establish back control: Adjust your position with both hooks deep, chest connected, and harness grip intact; ensure opponent’s shoulders stay elevated and begin standard back control attack methodology

Possible Outcomes

Result	Position	Probability
Success	Back Control	65%
Failure	Buggy Choke	25%
Counter	Half Guard	10%

Opponent Counters

How might your opponent counter Hook Leg and Take Back?

• Opponent immediately reclines backward to pin your back to mat and limit hook insertion angles (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Anticipate backward pressure and swim your head to opposite shoulder side, using momentum to rotate toward crucifix or maintain top pressure through sprawl → Leads to Buggy Choke
• Opponent hand-fights aggressively on your harness grip to strip control before hooks can be inserted (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Tighten harness by pulling elbows inward and use body weight to drive forward, making grip stripping ineffective against structural pressure → Leads to Buggy Choke
• Opponent turns into you quickly rather than sitting away, attempting to face you and recover guard (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the turn with your chest, transitioning to gift wrap arm control if they turn, or switch to darce configuration if neck angle presents → Leads to Half Guard
• Opponent extends far leg to post and prevent complete transition, maintaining distance (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Continue with near-side hook only and use that anchor to progressively work for second hook, or transition to body triangle on the controlled side → Leads to Back Control

Common Attacking Mistakes

What mistakes should you avoid when executing Hook Leg and Take Back?

1. Releasing harness grip prematurely to reach for legs or hooks before opponent commits to sitting

• Consequence: Opponent feels control release and either returns to defensive turtle or explosively escapes to guard before hooks can be established
• Correction: Maintain harness grip throughout entire transition, using it as the anchor that makes hook insertion possible without losing connection

2. Attempting hook insertion before opponent actually commits to sitting movement

• Consequence: Reveals intention too early allowing opponent to maintain turtle position, or creates space that facilitates defensive escape
• Correction: Wait for clear hip elevation and commitment to sitting motion before initiating hook insertion sequence

3. Allowing chest to separate from opponent’s back during the transitional movement phase

• Consequence: Creates space that opponent uses to turn and face you, recover guard, or strip harness grip with improved leverage
• Correction: Drive chest forward following opponent’s movement direction, maintaining constant chest-to-back pressure throughout transition

4. Inserting hooks too shallow with feet near opponent’s knees instead of deep inside thighs

• Consequence: Shallow hooks provide minimal hip control and are easily cleared by opponent’s defensive leg movements or hand fighting
• Correction: Drive hooks deep with feet crossing inside opponent’s thighs near groin area, toes pointing outward for maximum control

5. Focusing only on hook insertion while neglecting head position and upper body control maintenance

• Consequence: Opponent creates rotational angle during hook insertion attempt, escaping to guard or reversing position during transition
• Correction: Keep head tight to opponent’s far shoulder as active control point preventing rotation while legs work for hooks

Training Progressions

How do you train Hook Leg and Take Back (Attacker)?

Week 1-2 - Mechanical recognition Partner performs slow-motion sitting attempts from buggy choke bottom. Focus on recognizing the hip elevation trigger and maintaining harness grip while following movement. No hook insertion yet, just movement pattern recognition and upper body control maintenance.

Week 3-4 - Hook insertion timing Add hook insertion to the drill with partner providing predictable sitting movements. Practice timing the near-side hook insertion precisely as hip space appears, then completing with second hook. Partner provides light resistance to test timing accuracy.

Week 5-6 - Counter-reaction adaptation Partner varies defensive responses including backward recline, hand fighting, and turning into you. Practice recognizing which counter is occurring and selecting appropriate response while still attempting back take completion. Develop pattern recognition under uncertainty.

Week 7+ - Competition simulation Full resistance positional sparring from buggy choke position. Partner attempts all available escapes including sitting to guard while you work complete attack system including back take, choke finish, and alternative transitions. Score for successful back take or submission.

Safety Considerations

What are the safety concerns for Hook Leg and Take Back?

This technique carries relatively low injury risk when performed correctly as the transition involves positional movement rather than joint locks or chokes. Primary safety concerns include avoiding excessive pressure on opponent’s lower back during the sitting transition phase, and ensuring smooth hook insertion that does not catch toes on opponent’s clothing or create knee torque. Training partners should communicate if hook insertion causes discomfort in hip flexors. Practitioners with existing knee issues should focus on the body triangle variant rather than forcing deep hook insertion when resistance is high. Always control the descent when following opponent’s sitting motion to prevent landing heavily on their back.